Arts
Colman Reaboi , like Dmitri Matheny, is one of the people I have known since my Interlochen High School days. I am fifty-three now and since so much time has gone by it only makes sense that somebody of Colman's enormous talent and, above all, work ethic, would have done as many things with his abilities as he has as the decades have progressed. When last I checked in with him I was mostly familiar with his singing. But when you think about the fact that he has had careers in both opera and popular musical theatre and has entered the world of synagogues and being a cantor, even though there is the common thread of the voice it seems like a remarkable range by any estimation. As he pointed out on our episode it is most hard for a vocalist to switch from opera to popular or "Broadway" styles as the techniques are so very different. Even some fine vocalists in opera or classical never make the transition. Colman is one who has. And the fact that Colman's spiritual life has only grown as he has grown places Colman among the ranks of our multi-talented guests to be sure. As always on every one of our episodes, I learned things about Colman about which I had no knowledge whatsoever beforehand. It is one thing to encounter even someone you know, whether in passing or a scheduled meeting; a podcast episode is an other meeting entirely. It makes possible far more than could be achieved in other settings. This episode is no exception. I certainly hope you enjoy hearing what a world class vocalist, and much more, has to say as much as I enjoyed hearing him say it. My episode with Colman was a beautiful occasion.” Colman’s Bio Cantor Reaboi’s career has led him to serve three synagogues in Tampa Bay, Fla. In New England he served Temple Torat Yisrael in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, and Temple Tifereth Shalom in Peabody. Most recently, Cantor Reaboi served as cantor and educator for Emanuel Synagogue in Oklahoma City. Cantor Reaboi is a professionally trained spiritual leader and singer who also has extensive experience performing concerts of classical, Broadway, and Jewish repertoire. “As a Spiritual Leader, I strive to help connect Jews to Judaism…through study, prayer, a shared history, or a newfound identity. Whether it is connecting spiritually or culturally, Judaism offers something for everyone,” said Cantor Reboi about his new home at Ahavas Achim. “ As a human being, I desire to create connections between myself and my new community…to help strengthen the bonds that connect G-d, the Jewish people, and others from outside of Judaism who wish to be included. The Torah commands us to love the stranger in our midst.” Cantor Reaboi attended the Boston Conservatory of Music, where he majored in Vocal Performance and Opera. He is a graduate of Hebrew College in Newton, and of the Cantorial Internship program (CICA) of the Cantors Assembly. He is an alumnus and past soloist of the Zamir Chorale of Boston. He was also a guest cantor for the Prague Jewish Community, where he conducted services, performed concerts, and lectured at the Prague Jewish Museum. More highlights about Cantor Reaboi: Spiritual Leader at Congregation Ahavas Achim, Westfield, MA and works at Jewish Chaplain at Westfield State University and Enrichment Instructor, 4th Grade Teacher, Holocaust studies teacher at Temple Shir Tikva A link to a wonderful story featuring Colman’s beautiful work with the community during Hanukkah 2020/Covid-19 : https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampden-county/hanukkah-celebration-continues-in-westfield/ More links to Colman’s Beautiful Work Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creaboi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colmanreaboi/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mitch-hampton/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mitch-hampton/support